I have recently befriended a diabetic and am concerned about her
health. My problem is that she does not appear to be serious about the timing
or diet. Though being a layman, I have no idea what is really best for
her. She is Type 1 and from what I have seen she takes her shots about
20 minutes or an hour late and takes in sugar and seems almost to rebel
against the idea of her having diabetes. I don't really know however what
a diabetic can eat or how important it is for her to take her medicine
exactly on time everyday, etc., or if it is more important for her to lead a
"normal" life. As a friend, should I even bother tell her what is best? I
mean, she would know after having it for so long and having a doctor and
stuff. I guess it's just the lack of information that causes me to be
concerned.

Answer:

I am impressed that you care enough about your friend to write. You are
correct that your friend should take her diabetes seriously but she will
know this. Probably the best thing that you
can do is to gently encourage her and to reassure her that her diabetes
doesn't interfere with your friendship. It's also worth reminding her about
the importance of attending clinic regularly. Don't nag her because she
probably has enough people doing that already.

Last Updated: Tuesday April 06, 2010 15:08:54
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